Praise is sweet, but the only claim the Coalition makes is that we continue to work strenuously to preserve this historic monument for public use.  And we need your help.

You know the story: a former mayor's initiative to tear the structure down for development; the determination by residents that the historic site should be preserved; formation of the nonprofit Coalition; our successful efforts to list it on the State and National Register of Historic Places and Jersey City's own Municipal Landmark registry; recognitions from the NY/NJ Harbor Estuary Program, Hudson County, and Jersey City that the Embankment is a priority acquisition site; its inclusion on Preservation NJ's Ten Most Endangered Sites List; our petition, led by the City of Jersey City and joined by Rails to Trails Conservancy, to a federal agency for oversight of rail abandonment and consequent protections.

But what are we doing now?  In just this past year, we testified at numerous hearings against demolition of the structure and for legislation insuring that governments would get a fair opportunity to acquire rail properties when they are abandoned.  Most important, we continued our partnership with the City in litigation over Harsimus Branch status as a line of railroad, to secure federal and state protections for the property and opportunities for the City to acquire it for public use.  Right now, we are in U.S. District Court, District of Columbia, asking for summary judgment against Conrail that the Harsimus Branch is indeed a line of railroad, as the Surface Transportation Board previously ruled.  We also expect to enter formal mediation with our adversaries.

Perhaps our proudest achievement has been raising public awareness of the Embankment and related historic and environmental issues.  Thousands of you signed petitions, wrote letters to the editor, sent environmental comments to the Surface Transportation Board, appeared at hearings, and let our elected officials know how much you care about this site.  You contributed not only to Embankment preservation but to a wider environmental movement that has roused the City to adopt an open space plan and acquire other open space.

This outpouring of support is tremendous.  Now we turn to you for financial support, critical to our continuing endeavors.  If you have not already paid membership dues or donated this year, please consider these compelling Coalition needs:

Dues-paying memberships:  Membership numbers are one measure of public commitment to our goals.  Numbers impress our elected officials and grant-makers. 

Legal expertise and research:  Several years ago, the Coalition brought in an expert federal railroad attorney who secured an important victory for the City at the STB and continues to serve as joint rail attorney for the City and Coalition.  We provided much of the research that went into the case and continue to do so. We also need to consult with local attorneys.  Without these efforts, the Embankment may well have been a construction site mud plain by now.

Design:  We engaged a landscape architect to develop a design concept so people could better visualize what an Embankment linear, habitat-oriented park and greenway could be.  When the City acquires the site, we will need funds to have a meaningful role in the public park design process.

Operational costs: Though we have no physical office, are unpaid volunteers, solicit in-kind donations, and pinch every penny, we can only scrimp so much.  We need funds for computing and printing equipment and software, web site and email services, office supplies, insurance, accounting services, events, and miscellaneous expenses.

Acquisition costs: Our intention has always been to minimize costs to city taxpayers for acquisition.  In addition to the grant monies we helped raise for the City, we would like to contribute to certain acquisition costs not usually covered by grants.

Solid financial base in preparation for becoming a conservancy:   When the City secures the property, we must be prepared to hire a staff member to work actively with the city on park development and maintenance.  Our treasury should have sufficient funds to support an Executive Director for at least one full year.

With these reasons in mind, will you give to us this year? Your contribution automatically entitles you to a one-year membership in the Embankment Preservation Coalition! 

Sincerely,

Christina Donnelly

Membership Committee Chair